Simple Zucchini Bars Recipe

Introduction

These simple zucchini bars offer a delightful way to use fresh zucchini in a moist, flavorful treat. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, they are perfect for a snack or dessert any time of day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups shredded zucchini (squeezed to remove excess moisture)
• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon (freshly ground preferred)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar

For the frosting:

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (softened)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10.5 x 15.5 inch jelly roll pan. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well blended.
3. Step 3: Add the flour, quick oats, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Gently mix until just combined to avoid dense bars.
4. Step 4: Fold in the squeezed shredded zucchini evenly. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
5. Step 5: Bake for 18-22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
6. Step 6: For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and creamy.
7. Step 7: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into pieces and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly ground cinnamon for a more vibrant flavor.
• Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini to prevent soggy bars.
• For a nutty crunch, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
• If you prefer a lighter frosting, reduce the butter by half and add a bit of milk to achieve desired consistency.

Storage

Store the frosted zucchini bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To serve, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. You can also freeze unfrosted bars wrapped tightly for up to 2 months and frost them after thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen zucchini, but be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to the batter to avoid watery bars.

Can I make these bars without frosting?

Absolutely. The bars are delicious on their own if you prefer a less sweet option or want to reduce sugar content. Simply dust them with powdered sugar or serve plain.

Simple Zucchini Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 126 reviews

These Simple Zucchini Bars are a moist, flavorful treat perfect for any occasion. Made with shredded zucchini, oats, and warm cinnamon, these bars are topped with a creamy, luscious cream cheese frosting. They are easy to prepare, baked in a jelly roll pan for convenient slicing, and combine sweet and subtly spiced flavors for a delightful dessert or snack.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Bars:

• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups shredded zucchini (squeezed to remove excess moisture)
• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon (freshly ground preferred for more flavor)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur recommended)
• 3 eggs (room temperature for better emulsification)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar

For the Frosting:

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (Nielsen-Massey recommended)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (softened for easy mixing)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Pan and Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a jelly roll pan measuring 10.5 x 15.5 inches to prevent sticking and set it aside.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming the base of the batter.
3. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, quick oats, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to the wet mixture. Stir gently and just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bars dense.
4. Add the Zucchini and Bake: Fold the shredded and well-drained zucchini into the batter evenly. Pour the mixture into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it out uniformly. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until fluffy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
6. Frost the Zucchini Bars: Once the bars have cooled thoroughly, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into bars and serve your moist, delicious zucchini treats.

Notes

• Ensure to squeeze out excess moisture from the shredded zucchini to avoid soggy bars.
• Room temperature eggs help achieve better emulsification and a smoother batter.
• Freshly ground cinnamon enhances the flavor depth significantly.
• The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven; check doneness with a toothpick starting at 18 minutes.
• The bars should be completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Keywords: zucchini bars, cream cheese frosting, moist bars, cinnamon, quick oats, easy dessert, baked bars